University of New Mexico School of Medicine Program

The UNM Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Program is a five-year training initiative fully accredited by the Accreditation Council on Graduate Medical Education. It accepts five residents annually through the National Resident Matching Program, fittingly preparing them for diverse practices throughout the United States in both private and academic settings. A remarkable aspect of the program is that over 90% of residents pursue fellowship training post-graduation, supported by an impressive 97% first-time pass rate for both Parts I and II of the Board exams among graduates in the last decade.

Major training is conducted at the University of New Mexico Hospital, the only Level-1 Trauma Center in the region, which is augmented by diverse pediatric services available at Carrie Tingley Children's Outpatient Hospital. Additionally, the nearby Veteran’s Administration Medical Center (VAMC) and Sandoval Regional Medical Center (SRMC) represent important rotation sites, ensuring a comprehensive exposure to musculoskeletal pathologies in various age groups.

Curriculum and Rotations

The residency curriculum is designed to provide residents with foundational and advanced skills throughout the training period. The first year (PGY 1) encompasses six months focused on orthopaedics, alongside rotations in Anesthesiology, Emergency Medicine, Radiology, Rehabilitation Medicine, among others. The following four years (PGY 2 to PGY 5) intensively focus on both adult and pediatric orthopaedic surgery.

Post Graduate Year (PGY) Structure

PGY 1

This year develops proficiency in evaluating and managing surgical problems in both adult and pediatric patients. Residents engage in essential rotations that lay the groundwork for lifelong learning in orthopaedic surgery. Primary rotations include Ortho Wards, ER Consults, and General Surgery Trauma, among others.

PGY 2-5

Throughout these years, residents engage in more specialized rotations, including trauma, adult reconstruction, pediatrics, and elective rotations. The structure allows for increased responsibility in patient management and operative procedures as residents progress through the program.

Research and Educational Opportunities

Research is integral to the UNM residency, with a requirement for residents to complete a publishable project prior to graduation. The department actively supports research endeavors with funding, statistical analysis assistance, and resource provisions for presentations at conferences.

The program emphasizes a collaborative teaching culture, where residents have the opportunity to educate each other, medical students, and other allied health professionals. This culminates in a structured Residents as Educators program, further enhancing the educational mission of the residency.

Support and Evaluation

Financial support for attending educational conferences and presenting research is part of the residency benefits package. Residents also receive funding for acquiring orthopaedic textbooks and have access to a comprehensive library filled with historic and contemporary resources related to orthopaedics.

Progress is continuously monitored through a 360-degree evaluation process, where residents receive feedback from various levels of the healthcare environment, contributing to both personal and professional development.

Visa Support and Competitiveness

The UNM Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Program provides support for international medical graduates (IMGs) in acquiring J-1 and H-1B visas. This demonstrates the program’s commitment to fostering a diverse training environment.

This program remains competitive but is noted to be friendly towards both DO and IMG candidates, encouraging a variety of backgrounds and experiences.

Application Process

Applicants are required to submit their information through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS®), alongside a letter of interest outlining their motivations for choosing this program. Interviews occur each January, with a selection process that includes consideration of merit.

Moreover, the program records special application requirements, such as the year of graduation, offering flexibility concerning maximum failed STEP exams ensuring all prospective residents get a fair assessment.

Conclusion

The UNM Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Program offers a robust training environment, comprehensive rotative experience, strong support for research, and fosters a collegial atmosphere among residents and staff.